Virtual Grief Support Options
Grief often involves feelings of anguish and yearning that are typically experienced after a significant loss. Although many people struggling with grief tend to isolate themselves, support from others can be helpful during these challenging periods of life. Online therapy may be another effective option for online grief support.
The definition of grief
The American Psychological Association defines grief in the following way: “the anguish experienced after significant loss, usually the death of a beloved person.
Grief often includes physiological distress, separation anxiety, confusion, yearning, obsessive dwelling on the past, and apprehension about the future.”
The APA goes on to say that intense grief can cause serious physical and mental health concerns, such as immune system disruption and suicidal thoughts.*
*If you or someone you love is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please know that help is available. You can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7 by dialing 988. You can also chat online with someone at the lifeline by visiting 988Lifeline.org, where you can find support in Spanish or English.
Even though grief can feel like a strong and even debilitating emotion, nearly everyone experiences grief when they lose someone important to them.
Why some people isolate themselves during times of grief
There can be many reasons why some people isolate themselves throughout the grieving process.
If you’re experiencing grief, you may feel like there is no one around who can relate to what you are experiencing or that no one can make you feel better.
It could be that you’ve learned unhelpful myths about managing grief and feel like you must stick to coping methods that aren't helping.
You might also feel pressure from other people to cheer up, be positive, or not talk about your loss when that is what you need to do. This may make it seem like the better choice is to isolate yourself instead.
Although people usually have good intentions when comforting others, the advice and suggestions given to you may ring hollow or feel unnatural. This can contribute to you wanting to be alone.
As much as you may think you need to be alone during the grieving process, it’s possible that companionship is what you need to help you get through this difficult time. There may be several online grief support options available that may help you through your healing journey.
How can online grief support groups help?
If you are experiencing feelings related to loss, you might consider joining a bereavement group or virtual grief support group. Online group support can be an effective way to get emotional support if you are experiencing the loss of a loved one. Many of them may be structured similarly to in-person meetings, with the only difference being that you can participate in online communities instead of in-person groups.
An online support group typically consists of one or more mental health professionals (such as a grief counselor) who aim to guide participants through their grief. Participants can usually discuss their grief in a supportive space with others who know what they are going through.
There are many different types of virtual grief support groups. Some groups serve as discussion groups and have members meet through video chats and live calls. Other online grief support groups may provide online forums or message boards. You may also find groups that use live chat rooms if you prefer meeting online in a safe space where you don’t have to use audio or video. This can turn your home or any other location into an ideal place to get support without having to venture out during periods of emotional distress.
Other groups may primarily be social media groups, such as grief-related Facebook groups or Subreddits.
Furthermore, grief support groups may serve specific groups or a specific type of loss. For example, you may find groups that help young people who have lost family members and other groups that specifically help those who have lost pets. You may also find groups that focus on parents who have lost a child or groups that help children that have recently lost a parent. If you just want a support group that offers online support for all kinds of grief, you’re likely to find plenty of those as well.
My Grief Angels
Organizations like My Grief Angels may be a helpful option if you’re in search of general grief support. My Grief Angels is a nonprofit created after its founders experienced grief themselves and looked for support. The nonprofit offers many resources to grieving individuals and families, including virtual grief support groups, online forums, directories, surveys, and educational content in the form of courses and books.
Grief in Common
While not a completely free resource, Grief in Common offers several options for individuals who are grieving to receive support. Grief in Common offers support groups in which participants meet via Zoom for $20 per session. These are for individuals experiencing all types of loss. You can also try individualized coaching for people who are grieving. The coaching starts with a free 15-minute consultation, and then you can pay for individual audio or video sessions if you choose.
Finally, Grief in Common operates a service that provides a live chat room where you can connect with others experiencing loss. You can join for $9.99 per year or $0.99 per month (which would be a bit less than $0.25 per week). In addition, the site may provide other resources, forums, and tribute pages for free.
Grief Anonymous
Grief Anonymous (GA) is an online organization that offers support to people grieving the death of a loved one. This global organization provides online resources and the opportunity to join local support groups, creating a supportive environment where people can discuss personal experiences and find mutual understanding. Inspired by other Anonymous programs, it emphasizes empathy and shared experiences, making it a valuable service for millions seeking comfort and connection during difficult times.
Much Loved
Much Loved is an online community offering guidance and services free of charge to millions of people coping with grief. Through GriefChat, individuals can discuss personal experiences and request treatment from bereavement experts, ensuring everyone can have the support they need.
GriefShare
GriefShare offers online resources to support individuals in finding comfort and peace after the loss of a loved one. With a 13-week program including video seminars, personal workbooks, and supportive group experiences, over 1 million people have found support through GriefShare for 25 years. The site provides a safe and welcoming environment to help teach practical tips and offer help throughout the journey of healing.
What recovery from grief can look like
During times of grief, it may help to remain connected with others in your life who can support you through your challenging periods. It can also help to reach a state of acceptance regarding your feelings and thoughts about your lost loved one. Through grief recovery work, you may find yourself appreciating the people and small moments of your life more as you connect to them.
You may find that memories of the friends or loved ones you have lost still hurt sometimes, but that you can also remember them with laughter and joy again. When you grieve someone, you may not necessarily be saying goodbye to them and the memories you created together. Instead, you may be saying goodbye to the pain of their absence and any hurt from your relationship that you feel you did not get to repair.
Sometimes, we can feel like there are things, even apologies, that we never got to say to someone. Other times, we may not have had a chance to hear our loved one say things that were important for us to hear.
You may reach the end of your healing journey once you feel a sense of acceptance regarding these difficulties.
The importance of healthy self-care and coping skills
Some ways that people attempt to handle grief can lead to additional problems. For instance, misusing alcohol or drugs to numb your feelings (sometimes incorrectly referred to as “drug abuse” or “substance abuse”) may make it harder to heal in many cases. It can be common to employ unhealthy behaviors like substance use to temporarily distract yourself or relieve pain, but these can often come with a higher level of risk. Instead, reaching out for help through online support groups and learning evidence-based strategies for handling grief may be more helpful.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
Online therapy may help you cope with loss
Aside from various online grief support groups, online therapy can be another source of support that you can reach from home. Research shows that online therapy is effective for a variety of mental health challenges, including grief and bereavement. In one meta-analysis published in JMIR Mental Health, researchers found that online grief counseling was effective for grief, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
Online therapists can often provide grief counseling techniques to help you cope with any feelings of anguish and yearning. With BetterHelp, you can generally be matched with a licensed therapist within 24-48 hours. A brief questionnaire is usually all it takes to be matched with a therapist who is ready to provide the help you deserve while you're grieving.
With BetterHelp, you can communicate and connect with a licensed therapist via audio or video chat at a time that works for you. If you have questions or concerns in between sessions, you can contact your therapist at any time via in-app messaging, and they’ll get back to you as soon as they can.
Takeaway
When we experience a significant loss, particularly the loss of a loved one, we often feel emotions of yearning and anguish that are commonly referred to as grief. Getting support from others can have numerous benefits, often serving as an effective way to move through the stages of grief into acceptance. There are many online grief support options to help with this process, such as Facebook groups or grief groups on other social media platforms. Meanwhile, working with a licensed mental health professional through an online therapy platform may also help you process your feelings of loss and grief. Mental health professionals may also be able to help you with any mental health disorders or conditions you are experiencing at this time.
Whatever loss you’ve experienced, you don’t have to face it alone. Take the first step toward healing from the loss of a loved one and reach out to BetterHelp today.
What Is The Website For Surviving Grief?
There are several websites for individuals who are experiencing grief, including SurvivorResources.org, Grief.com, and www.GriefShare.org. It may also help to use an online therapy platform, where you can be matched with a therapist who has experience helping people through the grieving process.
Is There An App For Dealing With Grief?
There are several apps for people who are experiencing grief. The following are just a few:
- Untangle
- Grief Works
- Healing After Death
- Actively Moving Forward
What Is Grief Support?
Grief support can be provided individually or in groups. Loss support groups exist both in person and online, and they can serve as a safe place for people to connect with others who are experiencing various stages of the grieving process.
How Do You Comfort Someone Who Is Grieving Over Text?
There are ways to comfort someone over text, but it may depend on the relationship you have with the person. Also, your approach may require more tact than normal, as text messages can be misinterpreted. However, there are still ways to show that you care via text, and it may be especially meaningful for a person who is grieving.
What Is The Best Online Resource For The Loss Of A Parent?
The Children’s Bereavement Center is one resource that brings together people who’ve lost a parent, as well as other loved ones. The center offers bereavement support groups for children, teens, and young adults who have lost a parent. Group members can help each other navigate various stages of the grieving process.
What Is Grief Journaling?
Grief journaling can serve as a way to process one’s feelings after the loss of a loved one. Journaling can make a difference in the lives of people who are experiencing challenging emotions while grieving.
Can We Overcome Grief?
Grief is a normal process that most people can effectively process, often with the support of others who have lost someone they love as well as a therapist. Online support groups can be helpful for those who want to talk to others who have experienced the grieving process first-hand. Most groups typically have no cost and often serve as helpful resources for those looking to find answers after losing a loved one. Online groups may be especially helpful for those who find it challenging to leave home yet want to connect with a community of others who have experienced loss.
Do You Ever Overcome Grief?
While people often don’t forget about the loss of a loved one, many people experience significant changes in the way they cope with their loss. Whether someone is coping with the loss of a spouse or a friend, there are ways to move forward while honoring the memory of their loved one.
What Is The App For Losing Loved Ones?
There are numerous apps that aim to support people who have lost a loved one. Journaling doesn’t have to be a daily practice, but writing down your emotions may help with the grief process.
How Long Does Grief Last?
The duration of grief can be different for each person, and a longer or shorter period of grief doesn’t have to reflect the love that you felt for someone you’ve lost. It may help to seek support from others who have experienced grief and/or from a counselor. This may reduce the duration or intensity of your grieving process and lead to a sense of hope and healing. With online therapy, you connect with a licensed therapist who has experience handling complicated grief topics and helping people navigate difficult emotions.
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